Bids submitted at football club

ADMINISTRATORS of a troubled football club say there is light at the end of the tunnel after receiving four bids for its ground.

Marshman Price instructed the sale of Rothwell Town’s Cecil Street ground after the club entered administration with debts totalling more than £300,000.

Since the advertised sale, more than 25 parties have shown an interest, and so far four have made bids before the May 25 deadline. The four-acre site could be purchased in part or as a whole.

Joint administrator Gary Pettit, of Marshman Price, said: “While I have not yet looked at any of the bids in detail, it is true that we are pleased with the interest it has generated.

“I hope to find one bid which would clear the club’s creditors in full so we can go back to court and obtain release from administration for the club.”

In a report to club members, the administrators said a sale could provide “substantial surplus” after the payment of debts. The money given to the club could then pay for a new ground or hire of a pitch where the team could play next season. But to play in the United Counties League next season, the 134-year-old club must show it can fulfil the season’s fixtures by the league’s annual meeting on June 6.

Mr Pettit said: “Once we pass the deadline for bids we will work quickly to try and find a bid which best suits the club.

“Time is of the essence if the club wants to continue in the league for the next season.”

The club fell into financial difficulties after the organisations running the social club and football club merged. The social club is in need of renovation and is closed.

Town council chairman Karl Sumpter said he hoped the club had a future, but raised concerns about the sale of the ground. He said: “It would be a real shame if the club did go.”